Abstract: The present disclosure provides constructs comprising a coding sequence operably linked to a promoter, wherein the coding sequence encodes a polypeptide (e.g., a therapeutic polypeptide). Exemplary constructs include AAV constructs. Also provided are methods of using disclosed constructs for the treatment of hearing loss and/or deafness.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to anti-coronaviral compounds. The disclosure includes a method for preventing and/or treating a coronavirus infection through the inhibition of a cysteine protease in a virus, particularly SARS-COV-2. Also provided includes the composition/pharmaceutical composition for preventing and/or treating a coronavirus infection comprising any of the compounds, pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or its mixture, and the use of the compounds.

Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device includes: forming a metal gate structure over a fin that protrudes above a substrate, the metal gate structure being surrounded by an interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer; recessing the metal gate structure below an upper surface of the ILD layer distal from the substrate; after the recessing, forming a first dielectric layer over the recessed metal gate structure; forming an etch stop layer (ESL) over the first dielectric layer and the ILD layer; forming a second dielectric layer over the ESL; performing a first dry etch process to form an opening that extends through the second dielectric layer, through the ESL, and into the first dielectric layer; after the first dry etch process, performing a wet etch process to clean the opening; and after the wet etch process, performing a second dry etch process to extend the opening through the first dielectric layer.

Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device includes: forming a metal gate structure over a fin that protrudes above a substrate, the metal gate structure being surrounded by an interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer; recessing the metal gate structure below an upper surface of the ILD layer distal from the substrate; after the recessing, forming a first dielectric layer over the recessed metal gate structure; forming an etch stop layer (ESL) over the first dielectric layer and the ILD layer; forming a second dielectric layer over the ESL; performing a first dry etch process to form an opening that extends through the second dielectric layer, through the ESL, and into the first dielectric layer; after the first dry etch process, performing a wet etch process to clean the opening; and after the wet etch process, performing a second dry etch process to extend the opening through the first dielectric layer.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides constructs comprising a coding sequence operably linked to a promoter which expresses the polynucleotide in an outer hair cell, wherein the coding sequence encodes a polypeptide (e.g., a heterologous polypeptide). Exemplary constructs include AAV constructs. Also provided are methods of using disclosed constructs for the treatment of hearing loss and/or deafness.

Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device includes: forming a metal gate structure over a fin that protrudes above a substrate, the metal gate structure being surrounded by an interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer; recessing the metal gate structure below an upper surface of the ILD layer distal from the substrate; after the recessing, forming a first dielectric layer over the recessed metal gate structure; forming an etch stop layer (ESL) over the first dielectric layer and the ILD layer; forming a second dielectric layer over the ESL; performing a first dry etch process to form an opening that extends through the second dielectric layer, through the ESL, and into the first dielectric layer; after the first dry etch process, performing a wet etch process to clean the opening; and after the wet etch process, performing a second dry etch process to extend the opening through the first dielectric layer.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides constructs comprising a coding sequence operably linked to a promoter, wherein the coding sequence encodes a polypeptide (e.g., a therapeutic polypeptide, e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide). Exemplary constructs include AAV constructs. Also provided are methods of using disclosed constructs for the treatment of hearing loss and/or deafness.

Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device includes: forming a metal gate structure over a fin that protrudes above a substrate, the metal gate structure being surrounded by an interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer; recessing the metal gate structure below an upper surface of the ILD layer distal from the substrate; after the recessing, forming a first dielectric layer over the recessed metal gate structure; forming an etch stop layer (ESL) over the first dielectric layer and the ILD layer; forming a second dielectric layer over the ESL; performing a first dry etch process to form an opening that extends through the second dielectric layer, through the ESL, and into the first dielectric layer; after the first dry etch process, performing a wet etch process to clean the opening; and after the wet etch process, performing a second dry etch process to extend the opening through the first dielectric layer.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides constructs comprising a coding sequence operably linked to a promoter, wherein the coding sequence encodes a polypeptide (e.g., a therapeutic polypeptide). Exemplary constructs include AAV constructs. Also provided are methods of using disclosed constructs for the treatment of hearing loss and/or deafness.

Abstract: A voltage balance circuit includes a battery module connected to an external power source, a voltage dividing module, a detection module and a control module. The battery module includes a plurality of batteries connected in series. The voltage dividing module includes a plurality of bleeder resistors. Each bleeder resistor is connected with one battery in parallel. The detection module includes a plurality of thermistors, fixation resistances and micro-controllers. Each thermistor is arranged beside one bleeder resistor. Each thermistor is connected with one fixation resistance in series. Each micro-controller is connected with one thermistor and the one fixation resistance. The control module includes a plurality of switches and an analog front end component. Each switch is connected with the one bleeder resistor in series. Each switch is connected to the analog front end component, and the analog front end component is connected to the one micro-controller.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to anti viral compounds. The disclosure includes a method for preventing and/or treating a virus infection through the inhibition of a cysteine protease in a virus and/or a sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide in a cell, particularly SARS-COV-2 and hepatitis B virus (HBV). Also provided includes the composition/pharmaceutical composition for preventing and/or treating a virus infection comprising any of the compounds, pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or its mixture, and the use of the compounds.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides constructs comprising a coding sequence operably linked to a promoter, wherein the coding sequence encodes a connexin 26 protein. Exemplary constructs include AAV constructs. Also provided are methods of using disclosed constructs for the treatment of hearing loss and/or deafness.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions that include a single nucleic acid vector or two different nucleic acid vectors, and the use of these compositions to treat hearing loss in a subject.

Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device includes: forming a metal gate structure over a fin that protrudes above a substrate, the metal gate structure being surrounded by an interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer; recessing the metal gate structure below an upper surface of the ILD layer distal from the substrate; after the recessing, forming a first dielectric layer over the recessed metal gate structure; forming an etch stop layer (ESL) over the first dielectric layer and the ILD layer; forming a second dielectric layer over the ESL; performing a first dry etch process to form an opening that extends through the second dielectric layer, through the ESL, and into the first dielectric layer; after the first dry etch process, performing a wet etch process to clean the opening; and after the wet etch process, performing a second dry etch process to extend the opening through the first dielectric layer.

Abstract: A voltage balance circuit includes a battery module connected to an external power source, a voltage dividing module, a detection module and a control module. The battery module includes a plurality of batteries connected in series. The voltage dividing module includes a plurality of bleeder resistors. Each bleeder resistor is connected with one battery in parallel. The detection module includes a plurality of thermistors, fixation resistances and micro-controllers. Each thermistor is arranged beside one bleeder resistor. Each thermistor is connected with one fixation resistance in series. Each micro-controller is connected with one thermistor and the one fixation resistance. The control module includes a plurality of switches and an analog front end component. Each switch is connected with the one bleeder resistor in series. Each switch is connected to the analog front end component, and the analog front end component is connected to the one micro-controller.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to anti-coronaviral compounds. The disclosure includes a method for preventing and/or treating a coronavirus infection through the inhibition of a cysteine protease in a virus, particularly SARS-COV-2. Also provided includes the composition/pharmaceutical composition for preventing and/or treating a coronavirus infection comprising any of the compounds, pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or its mixture, and the use of the compounds.

Abstract: A method for determining posture-related information of a subject using the subject's image is provided. The method comprises: determining, from a first image, first positions of a first pair of joints and a first body segment length of a first body segment associated with the first pair of joints; determining, from a second image, second positions of a second pair of joints and a second body segment length of a second body segment associated with the second pair of joints; determining, based on an algorithm that reduces a difference between the first and second body segment lengths, whether the first and second pairs of joints correspond to a pair of joints; If the first and second pairs of joints are determined to correspond to a pair of joints, determining, based on the second positions, information of a posture of the subject; and providing an indication regarding the information.

Abstract: A method for determining posture-related information of a subject using the subject's image is provided. The method comprises: determining, from a first image, first positions of a first pair of joints and a first body segment length of a first body segment associated with the first pair of joints; determining, from a second image, second positions of a second pair of joints and a second body segment length of a second body segment associated with the second pair of joints; determining, based on an algorithm that reduces a difference between the first and second body segment lengths, whether the first and second pairs of joints correspond to a pair of joints; If the first and second pairs of joints are determined to correspond to a pair of joints, determining, based on the second positions, information of a posture of the subject; and providing an indication regarding the information.

Abstract: An exercise device comprises a flywheel, a driving assembly, and a control assembly. The driving assembly drives the flywheel to rotate. The control assembly comprises an angle sensor for measuring the change of angular displacement of the flywheel during a specific period of time. The control assembly calculates the angular velocity or the angular acceleration of the flywheel by the measured angular displacement during the specific period of time. The control assembly determines if the flywheel is to be stopped according to at least a criterion.

Abstract: An exercise device comprises a flywheel, a seat, a driving assembly, and a calculation module. The driving assembly drives the flywheel to rotate and comprises a driving wheel, a coupling member, and two cranks respectively connecting with a pedal. The coupling member connects the wheel and the flywheel. The user drives the wheel via the pedals. The calculation module performs a method to estimate a proper seat position and/or a crank length for the user.